The NAACP said in a statement Tuesday that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' pledge to bench players who take a knee during the national anthem "are a public commitment by an NFL owner to violate his players’ Constitutional right to free speech."

Jones told USA TODAY Sports on Monday that Cowboys and the other NFL teams "needs to" stand for The Star-Spangled Banner in comments that followed his pledge to keep players off the field for "disrespecting the flag.”

“This is not an issue about our flag, this is an issue about police brutality, (racism, and the ability of members of the NFL whose communities are disproportionately impacted by police misconduct to peacefully say enough,” NAACP interim President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in the statement. “This is not simply a black issue due to the number of white people also killed by police, but we know historically that when justice occurs for African Americans, all other members of our society benefit as well."

The NFL does have language in the league's operations manual that specifies that players "must" be on the sideline and "should" stand for the anthem. NFL spokesperson Joe Lockhart told reporters Tuesday that no player has faced discipline for not standing during the anthem.

“Jerry Jones’ comments are more than tone-deaf, more than misinformed and misguided – they are a public commitment by an NFL owner to violate his players’ Constitutional right to free speech – one of the principles on which our nation was founded," said Tony Covington, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks defensive back and senior director of corporate affairs at the NAACP, in the news release.

"They are proof that athletes like Colin Kaepernick who have quietly and peacefully used their platform to protest violence against communities of color do so at their own peril."

Chicago Bears running back Benny Cunningham (30) runs the ball off a fake punt play to score a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field. The Vikings won, 20-17.
Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY Sports

Stormtroopers march down the field during halftime of Monday Night Football. The trailer for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" debuted in dramatic fashion during Monday Night Football halftime. Fireworks flashed and Stormtroopers marched onto Chicago's Soldier Field as the preview played onscreen.
Darron Cummings, AP

New York Jets running back Elijah McGuire runs with the ball as Cleveland Browns middle linebacker Joe Schobert and outside linebacker James Burgess bring him down during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens strong safety Tony Jefferson reacts after cornerback Jimmy Smith returned a fumble for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum.
Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson is pushed by wide receiver Rashard Higgins into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Scott Galvin, USA TODAY Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars strong safety Barry Church flips backwards into the end-zone to score on an interception return for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Heinz Field.
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts former quarterback Peyton Manning and son Marshall attend the halftime ceremony where Manning's jersey was retired and he was inducted into the Colts Ring of Honor at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor falls into the end zone to score a touchdown in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field.
James Lang, USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants wide receiver Brandon Marshall makes a catch against Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Trevor Williams and is injured on the play during second quarter at MetLife Stadium.
Noah K. Murray, USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts former quarterback Peyton Manning is honored at halftime by Colts owner JIm Irsay as his number 18 jersey is permanently retired at halftime of a game between the Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette dives over the line for a two yard touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field.
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns cornerback Jamar Taylor and cornerback Jason McCourty celebrate after McCourty made an interception during the first half against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts former quarterback Peyton Manning makes his way through the fans to go inside Lucas Oil Stadium before a game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant is unable to make a catch as Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson defends the play during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots running back James White (top) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (bottom) during the second quarter of an football game at Raymond James Stadium.
Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) leaps over the pile for a touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium.
Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports